My friends at the Gamerscoreblog just released a press release that Peter Moore has resigned his position at Microsoft.  He’ll head over to become President of EA’s sports division.  I guess he wants to redeem his E3 Rock Band performance in a major way.

I just wanted to say to Peter that I wish you well.  I didn’t get the pleasure to meet you but you were one of the very few executives that I’ve come across who seemed to have a genuine love for what they were doing.  It’s not always about numbers.  You understood that it was just as much about the fun as it was the business.  I’ll forever remember your presentation tattoos, your Pac-Man promo video as well as your Rock Band performance during E3 2007.

I can only hope that the people in places that matter at Microsoft realize that it’s not always about years of experience in this industry.  I guess now we move on to a new face for the Xbox 360.  Good luck Peter and welcome to the new breed.

I just logged on to Xbox Live and was prompted for an update.  After the update my console had been updated to version 2.0.5766.0 so I’m wondering what it was for.  I don’t recall the BC software updates coming with prompts do they?  And I’m sure that I logged on to Xbox Live after the BC update was announced.

Feel free to tell me I’ve lost my mind.  (edited to include dashboard setting to prove my sanity lol)

[Update 7/16] I know what the update was for now.  I guess you guys will have to wait to see when or if it rolls out to you.

[Update 8/6] The update included support for the new wireless guitars being released later this year for Guitar Hero 3 and Rock Band.

Well it seems like the response that many of us thought would highlight Microsoft’s E3 2007 won’t happen at all.  In a report today, news came down that there is no plan to offer a new pricing scheme for the Xbox 360. 

“We have no desire, no need, to react to anything the competition has done,” Shane Kim, head of Microsoft Games Studios, said in an interview.  “We feel really great about the Xbox 360 momentum right now. Customers are voting with their wallets, it’s not just about console units. We feel great about how we’re doing.”

Well I’m a bit disappointed.  I’m not sure how the goal of topping both the Wii and PS3 is going to be accomplished without an adjustment to get more casual consumers in.  Yes, it’s about the software but the hardware that it’s played on has to be attractive to more than just a hardcore audience.

And Mr. Kim is right saying that customers are voting with their wallets as the Nintendo Wii continues to outpace the Xbox 360.  You don’t think that’s because of the awesome titles the Wii has do you?

Three Red Rings of Death.  Those words strike fear in plenty of your hearts.  I’m sure many of you have had issues with your Xbox 360 that resulted in the 3 rings of death.  Today Microsoft’s Peter Moore sent an open letter to all Xbox 360 owners announcing a new three (3) year warranty for consoles that have experienced these issues.

“If a customer has an issue indicated by the three flashing red lights, Microsoft will repair the console free of charge — including shipping — for three years from the console’s purchase date.  We will also retroactively reimburse any of you who paid for repairs related to problems indicated by this error message in the past.”

There’s an existing FAQ that covers what this means.  Click here to read up on the new warranty FAQ.  Excellent move and one that should make those in the community who have had issues, very happy.  Two thumbs up and a twist!

Do you have a modded Xbox 360 and you can no longer access Xbox Live with that console?  Well, don’t fret as it was done on purpose.  The release of the Halo 3 Multiplayer Beta has only increased Microsoft’s dedication to keeping Xbox Live fair in terms of competition.  I don’t have to worry about this because no amount of modding could increase the lack of skills I have so I’d never modify my console for any advantage.

If you see this screen, say goodbye to Xbox Live.  As a result, some consumers that try to login to LIVE who we detect have illegally modified their console will get an error code (Status Code: Z: 8015 - 190D) when trying to connect to the service. These users will not have their account automatically banned from LIVE, but they will no longer be able to access the service from the console they modified.

[Gamerscoreblog]

For those of you looking to upgrade to the Xbox 360 Elite, here’s the Migration Kit Order Form you’ll need to get your free transfer cable.  This is for existing Xbox 360 owners who want to transfer their content to the Xbox 360 Elite.  I’m sure many of you are interested in getting this kit. 

Migration Kit Order Form

The Xbox 360 Elite is set to debut this weekend and in some areas it’s already being sold.  Many of you are looking forward to it being your first 360 console, upgrading or perhaps simply buying the 120 gig hard drive for your current Premium 360.  If you want to upgrade or get the new hard drive, there is a bit of data transferring involved.  Details are being released on how to get your content from your current Xbox 360 to the new Xbox 360 Elite or to the new 120 gig hard drive.

The guys at Gamerscoreblog have some very good detailed information about the process and Major Nelson follows that up with a video as well.  One quick note is that although the Xbox 360 Elite doesn’t come with a migration kit, you’ll be able to get one free of charge.  Details on how are coming soon.

The process is clearly simple to do.  The one thing that bothered me with all of these details though is the fact that users who opt to upgrade to the Elite will now have to be logged into Xbox Live in order to enjoy most of their content.  Things like Xbox Live Arcade games are licensed content that when transferred, will no longer work offline.  This is because they’re still tied to the console from which you transferred them. 

Say what DeaconBlade?  Yep, licensed content like this doesn’t get transferred when upgrading to the Elite so you have to stay logged in to Xbox Live in order for anyone to enjoy the content or play the Arcade games.  Bummer to say the least.  I know personally that I’m not always connected to Xbox Live.  As good as Xbox Live is, I’m just not always connected to it and I do a lot of playing during that time.  Not to mention I have friends over and other relatives that play as well when I’m not signed in to Xbox Live.

I think that would deter me from upgrading to the Elite knowing that I had to always be connected in order to enjoy “my” content.  I guess there’s a reason behind it but I’m failing to understand it.  What if my connection is down or what if I don’t pay my internet bill and lose my connection for a month?  (there are people in that boat don’t lie)  What happens during an Xbox Live maintenance schedule?  Can I not just sit back and enjoy some Pinball FX while I can’t connect?  Nope.  I smell teh suckage.

The good part about all this transfer business is that buying the 120 gig hard drive doesn’t present that problem.  So if storage is your thing, then I suggest you simply purchase the 120 gig hard drive, transfer your content to it and continue to enjoy things as you always have.  It doesn’t present any of the licensed content issues that upgrading does.

Make sure you understand these things before you make your decision! 

What better way to celebrate Mother’s Day than with flowers and a brand new Xbox 360 Elite?!  One of my favorite Xbox.com personalities, Trixie, just released some details on the “My Mom’s a Gamer” contest.  Excellent contest Trixie!  You could win flowers to send your mom and an Xbox 360 Elite for writing a simple essay.  For those of you who don’t remember, my mother was a guest on Episode #8!

Who’s eligible to enter this contest?
You must be 13 years of age or older (if a minor wins the contest, the prize will be awarded to his/her parent or legal guardian). You must be a legal resident of the 50 United States, District of Columbia, and Canada (except for Quebec).

When’s the deadline?
We must receive your entry by 11:59 P.M. Pacific Time on Sunday, May 6, 2007.

Where do I send my entry?
Send it to xlmail@microsoft.com, subject “My Mom’s a Gamer” and include your gamertag.

Microsoft has just announced details on its 3rd SKU to the Xbox 360 family, the Xbox 360 Elite!  It has a sexy black finish with a 120GB hard drive, an HDMI connection and will retail for $479.99 US and $549.99 for Canada .  The accessories included (headset & wireless controller) in the 360 Elite are black as well.  The Elite also comes equipped with an HDMI cable as well as a component cable.  The new 360 Elite will hit stores in the US on April 29.  Contrary to reports on the interweb, this is not a limited edition and there will not be any phasing of the current Xbox 360 Premium.  The Xbox 360 Elite is a permanent entry into the 360 family.  Consumers now have 3 options to suit just about any of their needs when it comes to 360 gaming. 

Current Xbox 360 owners who don’t own an HDMI ready television yet want the hard drive upgrade need not worry.  The 120GB hard drive will be sold separately for $179.99.  It will come with a migration cable so that you can transfer your data from your 20GB with ease.  Existing Xbox 360 owners who purchase the Xbox 360 Elite and wish to transfer hard drive data will be provided a migration cable free of charge.  I’ve gathered some quick media coverage of the new SKU for your quick browsing pleasure. 

Xbox 360 Elite media - bringing sexy ‘black’

- Official press release - click here
- Major Nelson talks with Albert about the 360 Elite - click here
- Xbox 360 Elite hardware section on Xbox.com - click here
- On10.net with a video look at the Xbox 360 Elite’ness - click here

Who didn’t know is the question that comes to many of your minds isn’t it?  News this big rarely stays locked down especially with the internet paparazzi (bloggers) around.  What do you think Deacon?  Well, give me the hard drive and the black wireless controller and I’m set.  I don’t have a television that supports HDMI so unfortunately I can’t dig in to the Elite.  I wish the Premium would get produced in black. 

What say you of the news?  The Xbox 360 Elite - It’s bringing sexy ‘black’.  (that’s my new tagline for it)